A Catholic bishop appointed to a central region of Mozambique by Pope Leo XIV was shot dead at home Saturday in what the country’s episcopal body called “mysterious circumstances”.

Bishop Osorio Citora Afonso, 54, was shot in the chest “probably with a single bullet”, a spokesman for the criminal investigations bureau, Maximino Amilcar, told reporters outside the senior clergyman’s residence in the city of Quelimane.

He described the killing as “murder by gunshot”, adding that “it is not easy at this time to give details”.

The Vatican said the pope had “learned with deep sorrow of the grave act of violence that led to the death of His Excellency, Monsignor Osorio Citora Afonso”.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo issued a statement expressing his “deep sadness” at Afonso’s death, calling it “an irreparable loss for Mozambican society”.

Around a quarter of the population in the African country, a former Portuguese colony, is thought to be Catholic, based on the last census taken nearly a decade ago.

Afonso, born in Mozambique, served in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Italy, then as auxiliary bishop in Maputo in 2023 before being made a bishop the following year.

In July 2025, Pope Leo transferred him to the diocese of Quelimane.

The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique said Afonso was “found lifeless and in mysterious circumstances that need to be made clear”.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following a rescue operation that culminated in a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.

Police sources said the operation was carried out on Saturday evening at about 7:30 p.m., leading to the safe recovery of the victims, who had been held captive since their abduction earlier in the week.

Mrs. John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons were reportedly kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3 while travelling to drop the children at school.

According to security sources, police operatives tracked the kidnappers through sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations.

The pressure mounted by security personnel reportedly forced the suspects into a confrontation with officers.

During the exchange of gunfire, two suspected kidnappers were killed, while two firearms were recovered from the scene.

The victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their family.

Security agencies have launched a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to have escaped during the operation.

Investigators suspect some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries.

The police have not yet released an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation, the identities of the suspects, or the exact location where the victims were rescued.

The abduction and subsequent rescue have drawn public attention due to the victims’ relationship with Adelabu, a prominent political figure and former cabinet member.

Security operatives are continuing investigations as efforts intensify to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and dismantle the wider kidnapping network.